Using Inkscape for laser cutting

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There are interesting extensions and probably, over time, there will be more.

Before you start: Make sure to install the latest version. We found that Inkscape 0.49 (that somehow survived in the program files (x86) directory) did not produce proper print files for cutting.

2 Using Inkscape with Trotec laser cutters

Trotec CO2 laser cutters seem to work like most other laser cutting machines:

Very thin lines (<= 0.01mm or < 0.25pt) are coded with a color and then cut according to settings for each color.

Geometry for engraving is also encoded with a color and then engraved according to settings for each color. Alternatively there is a "picture" mode that takes into account all objects for engraving, i.e. it will do grey-scale dithering.

Make sure to create files that include

fine (red) lines for cutting (if you need to cut)

standard (black) lines and fills for engraving

You may not be able to engrave fonts. In that case (only), once you are happy with a font, make a copy of the file and save it, then convert fonts to paths. Verify that both fills and lines are defined if you want both.

If your drawing is ready:

Resize the document to the size of the graphic + 1mm on each size. If it is resized you can place several files on a plate. If the drawing sits in a big sheet of paper (as opposed to resizing the document) then tell at least the laser to reduce (Jobcontrol of Trotec can do this)

Remove the path from the rectangle or make it hairline (also make a copy of it since you may want to add one manually)

Proceed as above, i.e. create the scatter using the generate from path extension

Remove the path

Ungroup and fix individual elements if needed (clicking twice on an object allows to rotate)

Make a single path from the rectangles. Select all, ungroup all, then Path->Union.

Position if not already done so.

Unlock dino layer, Select the dinosaur

Select the new pattern

Path-> Difference

(Optional) With the extra rectangle make some "cuts" in the legs.

The three pictures below illustrate the most important steps of the procedure (creation of the path is not included)

1. Select both an object to replicate and a path

2. Result of the operation. This still needs to made into a single path (degroup all and union)

3. Final result (first trial). The red line then had be reduced to 0.01mm and some insets had to be adjusted a bit. However, better adjust the rectangles before union and subtraction !

Later, I changed the model a bit (longer/higher neck, 3mm insets)

The dinosaur was extended from this (the big red one in the back). I cut away the head and added a long neck (yes this a heavy genetic splice). Also made the tail somewhat prettier ;

4 Using fonts

In some "modes" you cannot directly print fonts. They have to be transformed to drawings (either strokes or fills). (I actually have to check this in more detail because I never had problems, my students did - Daniel K. Schneider (talk) 2 November 2016 ( oct 2017).

4.1 Fonts for cutting

Transform the fonts to path (once you are happy), then remove the fills or rather change it to a color that will not be engraved (e.g. light blue).

4.2 Fonts for engraving

Globally speaking, a font used for engraving:

should neither be too thin (details being lost) or too fat (too much materials to remove)

should not be too cramped (e.g. like TimesRoman). There should be some space between the letters.

It probably is best to convert fonts to paths and wind up with fills. There are two possibilities:

6.2 Lasercut box

6.3 EggBot extension

The eggbot is a open-source art robot that can draw on spherical or egg-shaped objects. The Inkscape eggboot extension eases the design process for writing and drawing on eggs. However, some of its functionality can be useful for laser cutting and engraving, in particular the Hershey fonts which generate drawings (glyphs as opposed to fonts).